Sealed docking arrangement in particular for bags and a method for the filling and emptying of containers in an environmentally-sealed manner

ABSTRACT

The sealed docking system comprises first and second coupling elements each having respective first and second coupling elements with respective first and second flexible receptacles. Each coupling element has a slot. The two coupling elements engage with one another. The coupling elements are flexible so that when force is applied the slots open.

BACKGROUND

The invention concerns a sealed docking device between two essentiallyenvironmentally isolated receptacles, whereby each receptacle is atleast in areas substantially flexible, in particular sack-shaped, andcan be sealed or is sealed with a coupling element in order that it canbe sealed or shut tight and opened when the coupling elements aretightly connected with one another. Furthermore, the invention concernsthe coupling elements as well as a method for essentiallyenvironmentally-isolated filling and emptying of receptacles.

In many areas of industry (such as, for example, the food processing,chemical or pharmaceutical industries, products (as in the form of bulkmaterial or fluids) are decanted from a mainly stationary firstreceptacle into a transportable second receptacle, or vice versa,whereby the industry in many cases is anxious to prevent a contaminationof the products and/or the environment by the products. Since manyproducts are very toxic to the human organism, even in extremely smallquantities, or other products react very sensitively to the effect ofair, industry effective coupling elements or docking devices have beendeveloped that enable a filling or emptying of a receptacle in anisolated or at least dust-free state. For this, in the industryreceptacles are conventionally filled via a double-flap technique that,although it proves to be very efficient, is also very cost-intensive dueto the technical design as well as the materials used.

For example, known from DE 695 04 581 T2 is a sealed docking deviceaccording to the type between two environmentally-isolated receptaclesthat comprise a rigid, annular flange with a door. The flange as well asthe door are preferably produced from a hard plastic material. Thereceptacles, which can be designed in the form of sacks, are preferablycomprised of a soft plastic material. Plastic is suggested in order tokeep the material costs low, since the sacks are specified for theone-time use. What is disadvantageous with this docking device is the(by design) very elaborate fabrication of the flange with its liftermechanism serving for lifting, which unreasonably increases theproduction costs for a disposable object and is additionallyuser-unfriendly since it is unwieldy.

SUMMARY

It is therefore an object to further develop the sealed docking deviceaccording to the type and the coupling elements belonging to thisdocking device, as well as the known method for environmentally-isolatedfilling of receptacles with bulk material or fluids, such that thedisadvantages of the prior art are surmounted, and that in particularthe handling is simplified and the production costs are reduced.

This object is achieved with regard to the docking device in that eachcoupling element is elastically deformable for opening and closing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first coupling element in the closedstate;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the first coupling element of FIG. 1 in thepartially-opened state;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a sealing clamp;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the sealing clamp of FIG. 3 in effectiveconnection with the first coupling element of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a second coupling element;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a docking device comprising two couplingelements and two flexible receptacles;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a first and second coupling element ofan alternative docking device;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a first coupling element according toFIG. 7; and

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a second coupling element according toFIG. 7.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of theinvention, reference will now be made to the preferred embodimentillustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used todescribe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitationof the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations andfurther modifications in the illustrated device, and/or method, and suchfurther applications of the principles of the invention as illustratedtherein being contemplated as would normally occur now or in the futureto one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

Each coupling element comprises at least one slot or opening that in theground state in particular, is sealed tight via at least one sealingelement, and can be opened via pressurization, preferably controlledand/or regulated, for filling and/or emptying of the correspondingreceptacle.

It is also proposed that a first coupling element can be connected orprovided with a device for pressurization, whereby via pressurizationthe first coupling element can be opened and, when in sealed connectionto the other, second coupling element, forces an opening of the secondcoupling element.

A docking device is also characterized by at least one sealing device tosecure a coupling element not in arrangement with another couplingelement, whereby the sealing device preferably prevents an opening ofthe slot of the first coupling element given pressurization.

Among other things, a docking device is characterized by at least oneguide device, preferably comprising a stopper (as in the form of abead), a flat peg, a diaphragm wall and/or the like, and/or at least onegroove or recess on one side and/or at least one web or projection onthe other side to engage on at least one coupling element and/or onesealing device, whereby the guide device in particular ensures analignment of the slots of both coupling elements to be contacted withone another.

A docking device is also characterized by at least one securing deviceto prevent the loosening of a sealed contact of the two couplingelements with one another or of a coupling element with the associatedsealing device, whereby the securing device is preferably comprised ofthe guide device.

Alternatively, it is proposed that the guide device and/or the securingdevice is or are comprised by a first coupling element with the devicefor pressurization.

Among other things, the docking device is characterized in that inparticular the top sides of the coupling elements can be laterally oraxially connected. For example, the top sides of two correspondingcoupling elements can be shifted sideways, i.e. laterally atop oneanother, as the case may be with the assistance of guide devices suchas, for example, those described in the preceding.

It is also possible to design the coupling elements, in particular theirtop sides, such that the docking device can be obtained via an axialcoupling of the coupling elements.

For this, it can be provided that a coupling element comprises at leastone axial guide device, in particular an essentially circumferential,continuously or discontinuously axial edge web on the top side providedfor coupling, whereby the edge web is dimensioned such that anessentially sealed, tight and/or arrestable closure is created with thecoupling element to be docked. If, for example, the top sides facing oneanother of corresponding coupling elements form substantially smoothsurfaces, a docking device can be sealed via an axial edge web, forexample formed from two separate axial individual edge webs alongopposite sides of a coupling element, in particular the longitudinalsides.

In a further embodiment, the sides of the coupling elements to becoupled comprise continuous circumferential axial elevations, forexample in the form of edges or rims, that can be attached over theentire extent with a second coupling element and thus enable a sealeddocking. In this case, at least one of the top sides of the couplingelements to be coupled comprises at least one continuous circumferentialaxial elevation that can be sealed with a second coupling element overthe entire extent. In this manner, it leads to a sealed docking of twocoupling elements, without that large surface areas of the sides of thecoupling elements facing one another come into contact with one another.

According to a further embodiment, only one coupling element comprisesthe preceding specified circumferential axial edge or elevation on oneside to be coupled, while the side of the second coupling elementprovided for docking forms an essentially uniform, in particular planarsurface, in particular in the area of the coupling with thecircumferential edge of the first coupling element.

It is normally sufficient for an environmentally-isolated filling whenat least the circumferential axial elevation and an edge or border ofthe open passage or slot on the top side of the coupling element can be(in particular sealed) attached with the top side of a second couplingelement to be docked, whereby in particular at least the circumferentialaxial elevation of the top side of the second coupling element and theedge or border of the open passage or slot of the top side of the firstcoupling element can be attached (in particular sealed) with the edge orborder of the open passage or slot of the top side of the secondcoupling element. This embodiment enables a docking device to bedesigned from two essentially identical coupling elements, whereby thenecessity does not apply to have to keep ready respective differentlyfashioned coupling elements that, however, correspond with regard totheir fit.

An axial edge web, continuous or discontinuous, can be attached to theinner and/or outer wall of the circumferential axial elevation, inparticular to the outer wall of the same, in order to affix the couplingelements. The continuous or discontinuous edge web (provided as a guidedevice) on the top side of the coupling element can thereby be placed onthe side walls of the same, or be an integral component of the couplingelement. If, for example, the axial extension of the side wall of thecoupling element forms the continuous edge or elevation to attach to thesecond coupling element, the axial edge web serving as a guide devicewhich exists on the outside of the circumferential edge and axiallyprotrudes over this.

In addition or alternatively to the edge webs, the coupling elements canbe affixed via arresting devices. For example, docked coupling elementscan comprise rails or plug modules positioned adjacent to one anothervia which (for purposes of affixing) a connector block can be guided or,respectively, that can be plugged into one another. It is also possibleto arrest coupling elements in a known manner via clamp fasteners orclips, in particular temporarily.

In a further preferred embodiment, at least one side of at least onecoupling element of a docking device, in particular the side providedfor docking, comprises at least in areas an adhesion and/or bondinglayer. Preferred adhesion and bonding agents are those that normallyallow a decoupling of coupling elements connected with one another butthat at the same time possess a sufficient adhesion property in orderto, for example, preferably permanently bind bulk material notcompletely decanted. If the coupling occurs via the previously specifiedcircumferential edges or circumferential elevations adjacent to oneanother, an adhesion or bonding agent is preferably only provided in theregion sealed by this circumferential edge of the top side of a couplingelement to be docked. In an embodiment, both of the sides of thecoupling elements to be coupled are provided with an adhesion or bondingagent. However, it is as a rule completely sufficient for coupling toprovide only the side of the first coupling element with an adhesion orbonding agent. In this manner it is already frequently prevented thatbulk material remaining in or on the passage slot and not completelytransferred contaminate the environment upon decoupling of the couplingelements, for example after the end of a filling event. Dust-like orfine-particle products that remain in the area of the coupling elementsafter the filling event are bound with the aid of the bonding agent andcan therefore no longer escape into the environment. The use of anadhesion or bonding layer has proven to be of great value, in particularin the handling of products that can cause damage to the environment orhealth. It has likewise proven to be advantageous to use a bonding layerthat can be detached from its base. For example, bonding ribbon or filmadhesive on both sides are suitable, whereby the adhesive properties ofthe respective film sides are preferably adapted to their specific usein order to achieve a reliable and permanent connection to the adhesivebase, meaning, for example, the top side of the coupling element, and onthe other hand to ensure with the second adhesion or bonding layer theprevention of a residual contamination with bulk material.

According to a further inventive embodiment, it is provided that acoupling element, essentially environmentally isolated, is connectedwith or can be connected with at least one (in particular translucent ortransparent) flexible receptacle comprising at least one extractiondevice, in particular in the form of a spoon, a spatula or a sealablereceptacle, in particular for sample extraction.

It can thereby be provided that the extraction device is connected orcan be connected at least in regions with the flexible receptacle, inparticular at its back or bottom end. Since an extraction device isalready provided in a flexible receptacle, smaller quantities ofmaterial can also already (in a safe and simple manner) be extractedfrom a receptacle that possesses a corresponding coupling element withwhich a docking device can be designed. The receptacle provided for thesample extraction and comprising the extraction device is preferablyadapted with regard to its size to the respective required samplequantity and the necessary extraction device. In this manner, the samplequantities can be extracted from a receptacle for the purpose of furtheranalysis without damaging it, or without having to effect anotherpermanent opening or sealing device of the receptacle. The necessity isthereby likewise done away with to have to work in specially prepared orisolated rooms that, for example, comprise a permanent air extraction,in particular given the sampling of substances posing a risk to healthand/or are environmentally dangerous.

Additionally, a docking device is characterized in that each receptacleis attached, in particular bonded to the corresponding coupling elementin the region of its slot.

It can thereby be provided that each receptacle is attached to thecorresponding coupling element at the inner surface of the slot.

It is further proposed that the slot is effected as a simple slot orcross-slot.

It is also thereby proposed that at least one, in particular everycoupling element, comprises a food-compatible plastic such as EPDM,and/or silicon, or that at least one, in particular every couplingelement is essentially comprised of bulk material, in particularpolyethylene or polypropylene. At least one, in particular everycoupling element, at least in areas, in particular at the locations thatcan come in contact with bulk material, comprises a coating thatcomprises bulk material or is substantially comprised of bulk material,in particular polyethylene or polypropylene. LD-polypropylene is in thiscontext also particularly preferably resorted to as a component ormaterial for the coupling element or a coating of the same. Thisapproach has, for example, proven to be advantageous in the decanting ofplastic granulates, for example in processing devices such as extrudersor injection molding devices. The material of the coupling element orits coating can thereby be adapted to a plurality of (for example,granulated) plastic materials to be decanted, in particular when, forexample, high-purity plastic products are to be produced such as areused, among other things, for electrical insulation. Even abrasion ofthe coupling elements generated in the decanting or particles chipped bythis have no disadvantageous effect on the purity of the bulk materialin this embodiment.

It is also proposed that each coupling element comprises at least onespring element, preferably made of metal.

Also, a docking device is characterized in that the receptacles, thecoupling elements and/or the sealing devices are commonly recyclable.

Finally, it can be provided that the receptacle to be emptied is part ofa filling or production unit, and that the receptacle to be filledcomprises a sack or container receptacle, or that the receptacle to beemptied represents a sack or a container receptacle, and that thereceptacle to be filled is a part of a production unit.

Furthermore, a coupling element for environmentally-isolated fillingand/or emptying of receptacles is provided that is firmly or detachablyconnected or can be connected in an essentially environmentally isolatedmanner on a first side with at least one receptacle (substantiallyflexible at least in areas), whereby the coupling element is elasticallydeformable at least in areas and comprises a second side, in particulara top side that can be essentially tightly and in particular reversiblydocked to a second side, in particular a top side of a second couplingelement. Thus the stated coupling element is sealed in the ground stateand can be reversibly opened under elastic deformation, in particularover at least one slot, such that a passage exists from the first sideof the coupling element to the second side of the coupling element.

It can be provided that the top side of the coupling element comprisesat least one continuous circumferential axial elevation that can beattached, in particular sealed with a second coupling element over theentire extent.

A preferred embodiment is further characterized in that thecircumferential axial elevation and an edge or border of the openablepassage or slot on the top side of the coupling element can be attached(in particular sealed) with the top side of a second coupling element tobe docked. In particular at least the circumferential axial elevation ofthe top side of the first coupling element and the edge or border of theopenable passage or slot of the top side of the first coupling elementcan be attached (in particular sealed) with the edge or border of theopenable passage or slot of the top side of the second coupling element.

In a further embodiment an essentially axial guide device is provided,in particular a continuous circumferential or discontinuous axial edgeweb on the top side of the aforementioned coupling element, inparticular on the circumferential axial elevation for formation of asealed, tight and/or arrestable closure with a dockable second couplingelement.

In a preferred embodiment, the coupling element possesses at least oneguide device comprising at least one groove or recess or at least oneweb or projection, in particular in the area of a side surfaceconnecting the top and bottom side, to engage on a second couplingelement additional information a sealing device.

Particularly preferred are also such embodiments that are characterizedin that at least one side of the coupling element, in particular thesecond side provided for environmentally-isolated docking to a secondcoupling element, comprise at least in regions adhesive agent and/or aglue, in particular an adhesion or bonding layer. Suitable adhesion orbonding agents themselves do not generally contribute to thecontamination of the bulk material, and are in particular food- and/orpharmaceutical-compliant or, respectively, unproblematic from food- andmedical-legal points of view.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the peripheral edge region of theacceptance opening of the flexible receptacle is sealed or can be sealedwith the circumferential edge (in particular the walls closely adjacentto one another in the ground state) of the passage at least adjacent tothe first side, with the surface of the first side, or with the sideconnecting the first and second side, with or without assistance of aclamping belt or elastic.

The coupling element is further characterized by an in particularcircumferential, continuous or discontinuous axial edge on the secondside of the aforementioned coupling element to form a sealing and/orpositive-fit closure with a dockable second coupling element.

In an embodiment, a coupling element is provided that provides at leastone (in particular translucent or transparent) flexible receptacle,connected with this in an environmentally-isolated manner, in which atleast one extraction device is provided, in particular in the form of aspoon, spatula or in particular sealable receptacle.

The object concerning the method for (in particularenvironmentally-isolated) filling and/or emptying of receptacles isachieved in that the coupling element is elastically deformable at leastin regions, in particular comprises an elastic base body and a secondside, in particular a top side, that is essentially tightly and inparticular reversibly dockable with a second side, in particular a topside of a second coupling element, whereby the aforementioned couplingelement is sealed in the ground state, and under elastic deformation atleast one passage can be reversibly opened, in particular in theaforementioned elastic base body, such that a passage exists from thefirst side of the coupling element to the second side of the couplingelement.

It can hereby be provided that the first and/or second coupling elementis sealed tight via at least one sealing device, for example a sealingclamp, before the formation of a docking device.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment, it is provided thateach coupling element comprises at least one slot, whereby a firstcoupling element is charged with pressure to form an opening, andwhereby a second coupling element, located in sealed connection with thefirst coupling element, is charged with pressure to form an opening,whereby a passage from the first receptacle to the second receptacle isdesigned.

It is of particular advantage when the receptacle to be emptied ismultiply, momentarily charged with pressure during the emptying event.

The first receptacle can also be stationary, and the second receptaclecan be portable.

According to a further embodiment, the second receptacle is onlyflexibly implemented in the area of the second coupling element.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the second receptacle is acomponent of a filling or production device, or is connected with aproduction device, and that the first receptacle is filled via thefilling or production device, or that the production device is filledvia the first receptacle.

A method has proven to be particularly advantageous in which one slidesthe second coupling element over the first coupling element such that itseals, whereby one slides the top side of the second coupling elementover the top side of the first coupling element, in particularlaterally, such that it seals, whereby in particular opposite secondguide devices (in particular in the form of edges, in particularlengthwise edges) of the second coupling element engage in correspondingfirst guide devices located on the opposite side (in particular in theform of grooves) of the first coupling element.

It can hereby be provided that a sealing device sealing the firstcoupling element tight, in particular a sealing clamp, is shifteddownwards by the first coupling element upon insertion of the edges ofthe second coupling element into the grooves of the first couplingelement.

It has proven to be particularly preferred that the top sides of thecoupling elements are axially connected, in particular via at least oneaxial guide device.

It is realized that, via the embodiment of a docking device to fill or,respectively, empty receptacles flexible at least in regions, aneffective contamination-free decanting of bulk material and/or fluids isensured, a simpler (in terms of design) assembly offers a highreliability and security since defects due to technical shortcomings arenearly eliminated, and at the same time lower production and materialcosts result in that the coupling elements to open the entrance to thereceptacles connected therewith are elastically deformable.

Additionally, given the filling or emptying of receptacles, a dockingdevice provides the entire cross-section in the passage opening, whereasthe use of double flaps in the known double-flap technology reduces thecross-section.

The docking devices as well as coupling elements are in particularsuited for environmentally-isolated filling of flexible receptaclesdirectly from filling or production systems. These docking devices andcoupling elements can also be used reliably and without problems inorder to be able to fill or, respectively, empty sacks, productionsystems, formulation systems, extruders and injection molding and glassshaping machines without contamination. In particular when it isnecessary to ensure that exclusively the materials provided for theproduction are used, for example in the introduction of educt materialsin the synthesis of pharmaceutical products, the docking device has orthe coupling elements have proven to be extremely advantageous. Forexample, high-purity plastics can also be obtained, in that via thedocking device granulate is directly filled into a plastic processingsystem, for example an extruder. Thus filling or emptying stations inproduction systems can be designed substantially more simply and morecost-effectively with the docking device without having to accept losseswith regard to contamination-free work. The coupling elements anddocking devices thus ensure both that the environment is not pollutedwith bulk material residues and that the bulk material to be transferredis not contaminated by substances and particles from the environment.Surprisingly, it was also found in this context that residualcontaminations can be completely prevented via adaptation of thematerial or coating used for the docking devices and coupling elementsto the bulk material to be decanted. In these cases, even abrasion inthe coupling elements ensuing in the decanting does not lead to acontamination of the bulk material, for example in the case of polymergranulate. The coupling elements or docking devices thus contribute bothto environmental and product protection.

As is to be learned from FIG. 1, a docking device comprises a firstcoupling element 1 in the form of an elastomer body (designed oblong)with a side length L that comprises a groove 3 (designed rectangular) ineach of its side surfaces 2. The grooves 3 are arranged in the sidesurfaces 2 such that on each side surface, one web 6 of the height h andthe depth t is designed, both by the underside 4 of the elastomer bodywith regard to the groove 3 and by the top side 5 with regard to thegroove 3, such that the front side 7 as well as the back side 8 of theelastomer body respectively exhibit a maximum width b in comparison totheir minimal dimension of b−2t in the area of the grooves 3. In theelastomer body, a passage or slot 9 is applied centrically between theside surfaces, the passage or slot 9 being implemented continuously fromthe top side 5 to the underside 4 and extending over a length that isless than the side length L of the elastomer body, preferably in therange of 50 to 600 mm. A receptacle, for example in the form of a sack10, is attached to the first coupling element 1, whereby the sack 10can, for example, be bonded with the inner surface (see FIG. 2) of theelastomer body formed by the passage or slot 9.

According to FIG. 1, the first coupling element 1 is exposed to noexternal forces whatsoever, and is thus located in its closed state inwhich the passage or slot 9 is sealed tight. In this closed state, theinside of the sack 10 is sealed from the environment. For this purpose,the inner surface 11 of the slot 9 can be provided with additionalsealing elements (not shown) such as lips or beads.

In FIG. 2, a partially open state of the first coupling element 1 isshown that results when the first coupling element 1 is charged with aforce on its front side 7 and back side 8, as indicated by the arrow Din FIG. 2. In this open state, the sack 10 bonded to the inner surface11 of the slot of the first coupling element 1 can be filled or emptiedsuch that it is metered. If the externally applied force is removed fromthe first coupling element, it goes back to its closed state shown inFIG. 1.

Shown in FIG. 3 is a sealing device in the form of a sealing clamp 12for the first coupling element as a further component of the inventivedocking device. This sealing clamp 12 comprises a base plate 13(designed from essentially dimensionally stable material, for examplehard plastic) with walls 14 of side length L arranged at a lateraldistance b from one another. Edges 15 are molded on the walls 14 suchthat a recess 16 forms on the walls 14 on both sides of the base plate13. The recesses 16 are thereby dimensioned with a height h and a deptht such that the sealing clamp 12 can be directed over the first couplingelement 1 with friction-fit to engage the webs 6 in the recesses 16.

In FIG. 4, an assembly is shown in which the sealing clamp 12 of FIG. 3is mounted on the first coupling element 1 of FIGS. 1 and 2 in order toprevent (via the form stability of the sealing clamp 12) anunintentional opening of the slot 9 of the first coupling element 1, andthus of the sack 10. Given a more or less sliding precision of register,the sealing clamp 12 or the first coupling element 1 can respectivelycomprise a small bead, tooth or the like (not shown) that engages in acorrespondingly designed negative form (likewise not shown) of the firstcoupling element 1 or of the sealing clamp 12 in order to prevent suchan unwanted sliding and opening of the sack 10, whereby this connectioncan however be released via light expended pressure.

FIG. 5 shows a second coupling element 17′ of the docking device, madefrom an elastomer body that is designed essentially analogous to thesealing clamp 12, with a base plate 13′, walls 14′ and edges 15′ toprovide recesses 16′. However, the base plate 13′ additionally comprisesa continuous slot 9′ similar to the first coupling element 1, on whoseinner surface is attached (for example bonded) a flexible secondreceptacle in the form of a sack 10′. The second coupling element 17′additionally comprises on its front side 7′ a stopper 18′ in the form ofa diaphragm wall.

FIG. 6 shows a docking device 20 that is comprised of a first couplingelement 1 according to FIG. 1 or 4 and a second coupling element 17″corresponding to coupling element 17′ according to FIG. 5, howeverwithout stopper 18′ in the form of a diaphragm wall on the side 7′. Thereference characters used in FIG. 6 have the meaning previouslydiscussed in FIGS. 4 and 5. A docking is achieved in that one slides thetop sides 5 of the coupling elements 1 and 17″ laterally on top of oneanother. Naturally, it is likewise possible to provide a docking devicewith a second coupling element analogous to the coupling element 17′,which possesses a stopper 18′.

A first and second coupling element 1′, 17′″ of an alternativeembodiment of a docking device 20′ just before the docking is to belearned from FIG. 7. While the coupling elements 1, 17″ are guidedsideways or laterally over one another in the docking device accordingto FIG. 6 to form a sealed unit, the coupling elements 1′, 17′″, inparticular their top sides 5′ and 5″, are fashioned such that an axialdocking occurs. The flexible receptacles typically attached to theundersides 4′ and 4″ such that they are sealed from the environmenthave, for reasons of better clarity, not been shown. The top side 5′ ofthe first coupling element 1′ possesses a contour shape thatsubstantially corresponds to that of the top side 5″ of the secondcoupling element 17′″. In the case of the environmentally-sealeddocking, the circumferential edges 22 and 24 thereby come to lie atopone another. With guide rails 26 and 28 on the opposite longitudinalsides of the coupling element 1′, the axial docking is eased, theexisting docking device is substantially stabilized, and the environmentimpermeability is increased.

Flexible receptacles can either be connected directly with the slots 9″(sealed in the ground state of the connection elements) or with theirpassage walls, similar to FIGS. 1, 4 and 5. Alternatively, thecircumferential edge 30, 32 on the undersides 4′ and 4″ of the couplingelements 1′ and 17′″ can also be used in order to attach a flexiblereceptacle from the inside as well as preferably from the outside, forexample under elastic initial tension, such that it is sealed from theenvironment. Such an attached receptacle can, for example, also beattached with a band, belt or a buckle on the circumferential edge. Inthis manner, the reuse of the coupling element is achieved in a verysimple manner. The connection of the coupling elements 1′ and 17′″ canin particular be stabilized by affixing elements 34 and 36, inparticular on the opposite sides of the coupling elements 1′ and 17′″.For example, a sealing clamp (not shown) can be guided, in particularwith perfect fit, via affixing elements 34 and 36 comprisinggroove-shaped recesses. In a particularly preferred embodiment, thissealing element is designed with gripping surfaces or gripping elementsvia which an elastic deformation of the coupling elements 1′ and 17′″ ofthe docking device can be achieved particularly simply. The affixingelements 34 and 36 can be designed fundamentally identical or, as shownin FIG. 7, different. In general, arbitrary forms are possible as longas they allow or enable an affixing and/or elastic deformation of theconnection elements.

FIG. 8 shows a first coupling element 1′ from the view of the top side5′. The guide rails 26 and 28 mounted on the longitudinal sides areplaced on the circumferential edge 30. The narrow sides compriseaffixing elements 34. The slot 9″ extends in the central directionsubstantially parallel to the longitudinal sides of the couplingelement. The shown coupling element 1″ is located in the ground state,according to which the slot 9″ is closed. In a preferred embodiment, inparticular the top side 5′ or parts thereof is provided (not shown) withan adhesion layer to affix residual bulk material. In that the guiderails 26 and 28 are only located on the longitudinal sides of thecoupling element 1′, in addition to the axial docking the shownembodiment also enables a sideways sliding or docking of the couplingelements. A docking available via the combination of lateral and axialrelative motions of the coupling elements is also possible.

In FIG. 9, the coupling element 17′″ is shown from its top side 5″,comprising slot 9′″.

A filling event using a coupling element shown in FIG. 5 or,respectively, a docking device based thereupon is subsequentlyspecified.

A filling of the second sack 10′ with bulk material (not shown) from thefirst sack 10 is specified in the following:

The bulk material is initially located in sack 10, which is held closedby the sealing clamp 12 as indicated in FIG. 4. In order to decant thebulk material into the sack 10′ located at the second coupling element17′, one simply shifts the second coupling element 17′ over the firstcoupling element 1, in that the edges 15′ of the second coupling element17′ is inserted into the grooves 3 of the first coupling element 1, andat the same time the sealing clamp 12 is slid downwards on its seat onthe first coupling element 1. The grooves 3, in combination with theedges 15 engaging therein and the webs 6 of the first coupling element 1lying in the recesses 16′ of the second coupling element 17′, therebyact as a guide device, while the grooves 3 as well as the edges 15′positioned therein simultaneously serve as a securing device for axiallysecuring against a detaching of the coupling elements 1, 17′ from oneanother when the sacks 10 and 10′ are arranged perpendicular to oneanother for decanting. The second coupling element 17′ is correctlymounted on the first coupling element 1 when the front side 7 of thefirst coupling element 1 abuts against the stopper 18′ on the front side7′ of the second coupling element 17′, and thus the slot 9 comes to lieexactly over the slot 9′.

If the front sides 7, 7′ and the back sides 8, 8′ of the couplingelements 1, 17′ are directly or indirectly charged with pressure via therespective other coupling element 17′, 1, the slots 9, 9′ spread apartand the bulk material can arrive in the second sack 10′ from the firstsack 10. The charged pressure can hereby be regulated such that a finelydosed filling of the second sack 10′ or emptying of the first sack 10 ispossible. Via the flexible design of the coupling elements 1, 17′, theemptying of the first sack 10 or the filling of the second sack 10′ canadditionally be made easier in that, via multiple brief pressurecharges, the first sack 10 breathes similar to a bellows, whereby on theone hand bulk material that possibly adheres to the walls of the firstsack 10 can be detached, and on the other hand a higher packing densityis achieved in the second sack 10′ to be filled, since bulk materialbonds (not shown) are destroyed by the corresponding flexing work.

In the coupling elements 1, 1′, 17′, 17″, spring elements (not shown),preferably made from metal, can be arranged in the periphery of theslots 9, 9′, 9″, the spring elements being able to be injection moldedwith an elastomer during the production and displacing of the couplingelements 1, 1′, 17′, 17″ in specific directions via exertion of pressurein a lightly pre-stressed state. Additionally, for the same purposeadditional collars made from an elastically deformable material can bearranged around the coupling elements 1, 1′, 17′, 17″. Likewise,grooves, recesses, webs, edges and the like can be arranged on the topsides of the coupling elements instead of the side walls.

Naturally, both receptacles do not have to be implemented in the form ofsacks. For example, the docking device is particularly advantageous inthe case of the filling of a first, sack-like receptacle directly from aproduction device, for example with tablets or pills. For this purpose,the second receptacle could only be implemented flexibly in the area ofits coupling element in order to enable an opening and closing of thecoupling element for deformation of the same. In such a case, it wouldalso be of advantage to apply pressure to open the coupling elements atthe first coupling element connected with the sack-like receptacle, suchthat this first coupling element would be designated as an active partand to transfer aforementioned pressure to the second coupling elementconnected with the production device that would then assessed as apassive part.

While a preferred embodiment has been illustrated and described indetail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to beconsidered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it beingunderstood that only the preferred embodiment has been shown anddescribed and that all changes and modifications that come within thespirit of the invention both now or in the future are desired to beprotected.

1-46. (canceled)
 47. A docking device for use between first and secondessentially environmentally isolated receptacles, each receptacle beingat least in regions substantially flexible, comprising: first and secondrespective coupling elements mounted to the first and second receptaclesrespectively and which respectively seal or open the respectivereceptacle, the coupling elements being tightly connected with oneanother; and each coupling element being elastically deformable foropening and closing.
 48. A docking device according to claim 47 whereineach coupling element comprises at least one slot sealed tight in a basestate with at least one sealing element, and which can be opened viapressurization for filling or emptying of the corresponding receptacle.49. A docking device according to claim 47 wherein the first couplingelement is provided with a device for pressurization, whereby thecoupling element is opened via pressurization and, when connected to thesecond coupling element, an opening of the second coupling element isforced.
 50. A docking device according to claim 47 wherein at least onesealing device which prevents an opening of a slot of the first couplingelement given pressurization.
 51. A docking device according to claim 47wherein at least one guide device is provided for alignment of slots ofboth coupling elements to be connected with one another.
 52. A dockingdevice according to claim 47 wherein at least one sealing device isprovided to prevent detaching of a sealed connection of both couplingelements with one another.
 53. A docking device according to claim 51wherein the guide device is comprised of the first coupling element witha device for pressurization.
 54. A docking device according to claim 47wherein the coupling elements are at least one of laterally and axiallyconnected.
 55. A docking device according to claim 54 wherein at least atop side of the first coupling element to be coupled comprises at leastone continuous circumferential axial elevation attached over an entireextent with the top side of the second coupling element.
 56. A dockingdevice according to claim 55 wherein at least a circumferential axialelevation and an edge of an openable passage on the top side of thefirst coupling element is attached with the top side of the secondcoupling element to be docked.
 57. A docking device according to claim54 wherein the first coupling element comprises at least one guidedevice on the a side provided for coupling, the guide device beingdimensioned such that an essentially sealed, tight closure is cratedwith the second coupling element to be docked.
 58. A docking deviceaccording to claim 47 wherein a side provided for docking of at leastone of the coupling elements at least in areas has a bonding layer. 59.A docking device according to claim 47 wherein at least one of thecoupling elements is connected in an essentiallyenvironmentally-isolated manner with the respective flexible receptaclecomprising at least one extraction device for sample extraction.
 60. Adocking device according to claim 59 wherein the extraction device isconnected with the flexible receptacle, at least in areas, at least atone of its back and bottom end.
 61. A docking device according to claim47 wherein each receptacle is bonded to the corresponding couplingelement in an area of a slot thereof.
 62. A docking device according toclaim 61 wherein each receptacle is attached to an inner surface of theslot of the corresponding coupling element.
 63. A docking deviceaccording to claim 61 wherein the slot comprises one of a simple slotand a cross-slot.
 64. A docking device according to claim 47 wherein thecoupling elements comprise a plastic.
 65. A docking device according toclaim 47 wherein each coupling element comprises at least one springelement.
 66. A docking device according to claim 47 wherein at least oneof the receptacles, the coupling elements and a sealing device arerecyclable.
 67. A docking device according to claim 47 wherein one ofthe receptacles is part of a filling unit, and the receptacle to befilled comprises a sack and that one of the receptacles is to be emptiedand comprises a sack.
 68. A docking device according to claim 47 whereinthe coupling elements are for filling flexible receptacles.
 69. Adocking device according to claim 47 wherein the coupling elements arefilling production systems comprising at least one of the elementsformulation systems, extruders, injection molding and blow moldingmachines.
 70. A docking device according to claim 47 wherein thecoupling elements are for at least one of filling and emptying ofpharmaceutical products into or out of the respective receptacle.
 71. Acoupling system for environmentally-isolated filling or emptying ofsubstantially flexible first and second receptacles connected in anessentially environmentally-isolated manner, comprising: a firstcoupling element connected to the first receptacle elasticallydeformable at least in areas, and comprises a first side that isessentially tightly docked to a first side of a second coupling element,whereby the second coupling element is sealed in a base state and isreversibly opened under elastic deformations such that a passage existsfrom a second side of the second coupling element to a second side ofthe second coupling element.
 72. A coupling system according to claim 71wherein the first side of the first coupling element comprises at leastone continuous circumferential axial elevation attached with the firstside of the second coupling element over an entire extent.
 73. Acoupling system according to claim 72 wherein the circumferential axialelevation and a border of an openable passage on the first side of thefirst coupling element is attached with the first side of the secondcoupling element to be docked, at least a circumferential axialelevation of the first side of the first coupling element is connectedwith the circumferential axial elevation of the top side of the secondcoupling element, and an edge of the openable passage of the first sideof the first coupling element is connected with an edge of an openablepassage of the first side of the second coupling element.
 74. A couplingsystem according to claim 71 wherein an essentially axial guide deviceis provided comprising an edge web on the first side of the firstcoupling element for creating at least one of a sealed, tight, andarrestable closure with the second dockable coupling element.
 75. Acoupling system according to claim 71 wherein at least one guide deviceof the first coupling element of the first coupling element comprisingat least one of a groove, recess, and projection engages in the secondcoupling element.
 76. A coupling system according to claim 71 wherein atleast one side of at least one of the coupling elements comprises atleast in areas an adhesion agent.
 77. A coupling system according toclaim 71 wherein a peripheral edge region of an intake opening of thefirst flexible receptacle on the first side of the first couplingelement is connected with a circumferential edge, at least adjacent tothe first side, with a surface of the first side.
 78. A coupling systemaccording to claim 71 wherein at least the first flexible receptacle hasat least one extraction device.
 79. A coupling system according to claim78 wherein the extraction device is connected with the flexiblereceptacle.
 80. A coupling system according to claim 71 wherein thecoupling elements comprise at least one of a food-compliant plastic, aplastic bulk material, and a coating that comprises a plastic bulkmaterial.
 81. A method for filling and/or emptying at least first andsecond receptacles, comprising the steps of: providing each receptaclesubstantially flexible at least in areas; providing a receptacle openingof the first receptacle with a first coupling element having a passage,and a receptacle opening of the second receptacle with a second couplingelement having a passage, each passage being elastically deformable foropening and closing; sealing the first and second coupling elements toeach other to form a docking device; providing the first and secondcoupling elements elastically deformable; and at least partiallytransferring a content of the first receptacle through a common passageinto the second receptacle.
 82. A method according to claim 81 whereinthe first and second coupling elements are sealed tight before theformation of the docking device via at least one sealing device.
 83. Amethod according to claim 81 wherein each coupling element comprises atleast one slot, the first coupling element is charged with pressure toform an opening in the passage, the passage of the second couplingelement being located in sealed connection with the passage of the firstcoupling element.
 84. A method according to claim 81 wherein eachcoupling element comprises at least one slot as said passage, the firstcoupling element being charged with pressure to open said passage, andthe second coupling element located in sealed connection with the firstcoupling element and which is charged with pressure to open saidpassage, so that a passage way is formed from the first receptacle tothe second receptacle.
 85. A method according to claim 81 wherein one ofthe receptacles to be emptied is multiply, briefly charged with pressureduring the emptying.
 86. A method according to claim 81 wherein thefirst receptacle is stationary and the second receptacle istransportable.
 87. A method according to claim 81 wherein the secondreceptacle is implemented flexibly only in an area of the secondcoupling element.
 88. A method according to claim 81 wherein the secondreceptacle is a component of a filling device, and the first receptacleis filled via the filling device.
 89. A method according to claim 81wherein a top side of the second coupling element is slid over a topside of the first coupling element such that it seals, whereby oppositesecond guide devices engage in corresponding first guide devices of thefirst coupling element.
 90. A method according to claim 89 wherein asealing device sealing the first coupling element is slid down by thefirst coupling element upon insertion of edges of the second couplingelement into grooves of the first coupling element.
 91. A methodaccording to claim 89 wherein the second coupling element comprises on afront side a stopper, whereby the first coupling element is insertedinto the second coupling element until it abuts on the stopper.
 92. Amethod according to claim 81 wherein top sides of the coupling elementsare axially coupled via at least one axial guide device.
 93. A dockingmethod, comprising the steps of: providing a first coupling element witha slot and a groove, and a flexible first receptacle being connected tosaid slot; providing a second coupling element with a slot and aprojection, and a flexible second receptacle being connected to saidslot; providing both the first and second receptacles and first andsecond coupling elements flexible so that pressure applied to the firstand second coupling elements will open said respective slots; anddocking the first receptacle to the second receptacle by sliding theprojection of the second coupling element into the groove of the firstreceptacle.
 94. A docking system, comprising: a first coupling elementhaving a slot and at least one groove, said first coupling element beingflexible so that when force is applied thereto the slot opens; aflexible first receptacle attached to said slot of said first couplingelement; a second coupling element having a slot and at least oneprojection, said second coupling element being flexible so that whenforce is applied thereto the slot opens; a flexible second receptacleattached to said slot of the second coupling element; and the firstcoupling element and the second coupling element being docked togetherso that the slots line up with each other when the projection of thesecond coupling element is received in the groove of the first couplingelement.